2026 Executive Programme on Geopolitics & Leadership
Rhodes House, Oxford — July 26-31, 2026
A one-week residential programme for rising leaders seeking a deeper understanding of the geopolitical forces shaping business, policy, and global affairs
For leaders navigating a changing world
In an era defined by geopolitical fragmentation, technological disruption, and the erosion of established norms, leadership demands new skills and strategies. The Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy’s role is to bridge that gap. Our flagship offering, the Executive Programme on Geopolitics & Leadership, brings together former heads of state, foreign ministers, and geopolitical experts to equip rising leaders with the insight, expertise, and network needed to shape 21st century international affairs.
Based at Rhodes House, Oxford, the Executive Programme is an intensive five-day programme for mid-career leaders from both the public and private sectors, designed to cultivate the analytical depth, diplomatic acuity, and global network required to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Join the cohort
The Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy welcomes a diverse and ambitious cohort each year — corporate professionals, policymakers, and diplomats who bring depth of experience and a shared commitment to global affairs. Admission is selective, and applications are reviewed holistically to identify candidates who will both benefit from and contribute meaningfully to the Academy’s unique environment of dialogue and inquiry.
Lord Simon McDonald, Sir Laurie Bristow, and Mary Hockaday at the 2025 ODA Programme
Class of 2025
Global Advisory Board
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Maria Fernanda Espinosa (Chair)
President of the United Nations General Assembly (2018-2019)
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Baroness Catherine Ashton
EU Foreign Minister (2009-14)
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Amr Moussa
Secretary-General of the Arab League (2001-2011)
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Ann Linde
Foreign Minister of Sweden (2019-2022)
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Thant Myint-U
Author of ‘Peacemaker’ and Honourary Fellow, Trinity College
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Kateryna Yushchenko
First Lady of Ukraine (2005-10)
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George Papandreou
Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011)
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Danilo Turk
President of Club de Madrid, President of Slovenia (2007-2012)
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Boris Tadic
President of Serbia (2004-2012)
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Mary Hockaday
Controller of BBC World Service (2014-2021)
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Bernardino Léon Gross
Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (2014-2015)
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Michael Binyon
Foreign Correspondent for the Times (1972-2009)
Mark B.
Global Head of Public Affairs
Syngenta Group
‘From the calibre of the organisers and the outline programme I had high expectations for the ODA. These expectations were blown away and exceeded. Exceptional speakers along with a highly knowledgeable, engaged and friendly cohort of attendees drawn from public and private diplomacy, plus the stunning location made the event truly memorable. If you're fortunate enough to be selected to attend this programme please join, it's a no regret move - whatever your career stage you'll learn from the best in the business and develop your personal network.'
Dr Antony Stokes OBE, former British Ambassador to Cuba, delivers his leadership masterclass at the ODA Summer Academy
María Espinosa, former UN General Assembly President (2018-19) and former Ecuadorian Foreign Minister (2017-18) talks with ODA Participants during a coffee break
Katrin Jakobsdottir, Prime Minister of Iceland (2017-24) delivers her masterclass on crisis management
Sir Laurie Bristow, former British Ambassador to Russia (2016-20) and Afghanistan (2021) chats with ODA participants over dinner
ODA Summer Academy Diplomatic Dinner Reception
Baroness Catherine Ashton, Bernardino Léon Gross, and Dr Antony Stokes with ODA Participants
Dr Thant Myint-U speaks after dinner about his critically acclaimed book on UN Secretary General U-Thant, 'Peacemaker' (2025)
Ann Linde, Swedish Foreign Minister (2019-22) with ODA participants after delivering her masterclass on NATO negotiations
Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Policy and Security Chief (2009-14) delivers her Negotiation Masterclass
Dinner at Trinity College with Ann Linde, Swedish Foreign Minister (2019-22) and Dr Thant Myint-U with ODA Participants
Punting on The River Cam during an afternoon break
Morning seminar on global governance and multilateral reform
A NATO representative discussing international security at the Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Summer Academy
Informal dinner at King's College, Cambridge
The ODA Summer Academy Class of 2025 at Trinity Hall, Cambridge
South African High Commissioner Jeremiah Mamabolo answers questions on managing overseas missions
Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Summer Academy Seminar
ODA Directors, Dr Tristen Naylor Manas Chawla, with Dr Antony Stokes
Dr Tristen Naylor launches the ODA 2025 Summer Academy
Diplomatic Negotiation Training Exercise
Mary Hockaday, former Controller of the BBC World Service, with Sir Laurie Bristow, former UK Ambassador to Russia and Afghanistan
Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Global Governance Dinner
Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Negotiation Training
Rotary Peace Scholar Elise Nassif and Dr Antony Stokes
Dr Tristen Naylor, ODA Director, and Bernardino Lêon Gross, Former UN Special Representative and Spanish Secretary of State
María Espinosa, former UN General Assembly President (2018-19) answers questions on UN reform
Lord Simon McDonald, Head of the British Diplomatic Service (2015-20), chats with ODA Participants over dinner
Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Communications Training
Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy Executive International Politics Training
Mary Hockaday, Controller of the BBC World Service (2014-21) and Michael Binyon, former Diplomatic Editor of The Times, on managing press and media relations
Daanish Alavi, United Nations expert on AI and governance, on the future of technology in international politics with Manas Chawla, ODA Director and CEO of London Politica
Ruby Osman, Geopolitical Policy Advisor at Tony Blair Institute, answers questions about Chinese foreign policy
Christoffer W.
Swedish Diplomat
‘Participating in the Oxbridge Diplomatic Academy was a truly enriching experience, marked by insightful presentations, stimulating encounters, and timely, thought-provoking discussions. Beyond the privilege of engaging with high-level speakers, one of the greatest highlights was connecting with fellow participants from around the world — a vibrant network that remains active and deeply valued.’
Jonathan W.
Commerzbank AG
‘The Oxbridge Academy helped me understand geopolitical developments and risks, and to better comprehend political decision-making processes through conversations with high-level representatives from politics, public administration, academia, and non-governmental organizations. This benefits me in developing perspective in my professional work.’
Undine A.
Economist
‘The Summer Academy was a unique opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts about the realities of modern diplomacy and beyond. The diverse cohort created an inspiring environment for meaningful conversations beyond the classroom and lasting global connections.’
